Eggnog French Toast With Sweet Orange Butter

There’s something magical about combining two beloved traditions into one delicious dish. As someone who adores both breakfast and holiday flavors, I couldn’t resist creating a recipe that brings together the creamy richness of eggnog and the comforting warmth of French toast. This Eggnog French Toast with Sweet Orange Butter is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season or simply treat yourself to a decadent breakfast. The eggnog adds a luxurious custard-like texture to the toast, while the sweet orange butter brings a bright, citrusy contrast that elevates the entire dish.

I’ve always believed that the best recipes are the ones that make you feel like you’re indulging in something special, and this one does just that. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or simply want to start your day with a little extra joy, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of warm spices, creamy eggnog, and zesty orange butter is a match made in culinary heaven. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a holiday (or anytime) favorite!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Eggnog: The star of the show, eggnog brings a rich, creamy base to the French toast custard. Its signature blend of milk, cream, eggs, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon infuses the bread with a festive flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Bread: A thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah works best for French toast. These types of bread have a soft, tender crumb that soaks up the eggnog mixture beautifully without falling apart during cooking.

Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the custard mixture and giving the French toast its signature golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note to the custard.

Ground Nutmeg: This spice complements the eggnog perfectly, adding a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, butter ensures a rich, golden-brown finish and adds a deliciously buttery flavor.

Sweet Orange Butter Ingredients (Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange Zest): The sweet orange butter is the perfect finishing touch. The butter is whipped with powdered sugar for sweetness and orange zest for a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the French toast.

Ingredients List

For the French Toast:

4 large eggs
1 cup eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

For the Sweet Orange Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest

How to Make Eggnog French Toast With Sweet Orange Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Orange Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Use a fork or hand mixer to whip the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until well combined. This mixture will act as the custard that gives the French toast its rich, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Make sure the bread is fully coated but not so soggy that it falls apart.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbly, add the soaked bread slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the French toast and top each slice with a generous dollop of the sweet orange butter. The warmth of the toast will melt the butter slightly, creating a deliciously creamy and citrusy topping. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too mushy.
Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: Aim for 20-30 seconds per side to ensure the bread holds its shape during cooking.
Adjust the Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to the custard for extra warmth.
Make the Orange Butter Ahead: The sweet orange butter can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Keep the Toast Warm: If cooking in batches, place finished slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm.
Experiment with Toppings: Add a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a handful of fresh berries for extra flair.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works just as well as homemade. Just make sure it’s a brand you enjoy, as the flavor will shine through in the final dish.

What if I don’t have brioche or challah bread?
You can use any thick-cut bread, such as Texas toast or even sourdough. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard mixture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the French toast is best served fresh, you can prepare the sweet orange butter and custard mixture the night before. Store the custard in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before using.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy eggnog and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative for both the cooking and the sweet orange butter.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet for best results.

Enjoy making and savoring this delightful Eggnog French Toast with Sweet Orange Butter—it’s a recipe that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your table!